I used to view an alcoholic as a bum lying in the stoop of a door in an alley. AA made me open my eyes to the fact, alcohol goes from park bench to park place.
I didn't view him as such but, the owner of a Holiday Inn I worked for as a kid more then likely was a alcoholic. I was only 17 at the time. Every time the owner was sitting at the bar where I worked if, I went and sat by him all my drinks were free for the night. We'd close the bar down every time. I loved that guy.
One thing I've learned since I've gotten sober, often times we lower our standards. More about alcoholism pretty much covers it. We switch drinks, swear off for ever with and with a solemn oath taking a trip etc. etc.